Short Fiction

City Under Siege

Murder on the Rise

One night, a woman is shot and killed. A few nights later, a big-time movie star is stabbed to death right in front of his wife.

What is this city coming to?

These are the questions I ask myself more frequently than I would like now that I’m the mayor of New York City. Crime and violence around the borough are way up. People are afraid to walk around certain neighborhoods at night.

The only places that seem safe late at night are the bars and restaurants run by the mob. I know coming from the mayor that doesn’t sound right, but it’s the truth. No one wants to mess with the mob.

Enzo Abate is the boss running things these days. We grew up together in Queens where we went to St. Mary’s Academy for our schooling.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that he started working for the previous mob boss once he got out of high school. Enzo was always kind of a bully. I remember one summer afternoon; I watched him torture a younger kid with a blazing hot poker. The kid wouldn’t give him any money, so Enzo left burn marks all over the kid’s arms and legs. Other incidents included kids having their heads shoved into toilets until they almost drowned. One kid was in the ER for over a month recovering from the wounds he suffered.

Anyway, I’m going off topic. Although, thinking on it now, I should go ask Enzo if he’s seen or heard anything on the streets. Perhaps he would be willing to help an old classmate.

A man walks down the hallway towards me yelling out, “Mayor… Mayor Castlebridge, can I talk to you for a moment?” His voice snaps me out of deep thought, “Chief Marley, how can I be of assistance?” “Well, sir, you aren’t going to want to hear this, but there was just another attack.” The Chief blurts out. “Son of a bitch! Did anyone see the attacker?” I say as I slam my fist into a wood panel doorframe splintering it. “There were plenty of witnesses, sir, but no one is willing to come forward…yet.” “Where was this attack? Same area?” I need answers. The Chief responds, “This time up near Rockefeller Center. The person used a gun again. Same bullets as the ones we found in the woman several nights ago.” “Ok, get someone to talk. We need an ID on whoever did this. If enough people saw the attack, someone should speak up.” Spit flies from my lower lip as I yell at the Chief. “I’ll get out there and see what I can find Mr. Mayor.” The Chief seems rattled by my anger. “Good… Do your job for once. I don’t understand why I have to tell you how to do it.” I say to the Chief’s back as he runs down the hallway to get to the crime scene.

The last thing I need right now is the media making a big deal out of the murder spree over the last week. They are already hounding me about the death of Huey Lancaster.

Why do I have the feeling I’m going to be hunting down these witnesses? Chief Marley is a bumbling fool and only got the position because his brother “knows a guy”.

I take my phone out of my coat pocket and hit dial. The phone rings a half dozen times before someone answers.

“Well, if it isn’t Frankie Castlebridge. What can I do for you, Mr. Mayor?” the voice says into the phone. “Enzo, it’s a pleasure to speak to you again. It’s been a long time.” “Cut the shit, Frankie. Why are you calling me?” “I need a favor. The city is a mess. We’ve had a string of murders over the last few days. I was wondering if you’ve heard anything or might be able to put the word out for your guys to keep an eye to watch things?” “You want my help, Frankie? You know it’ll cost you.” Enzo responds with a deep throated laugh. “How much this time, Enzo?” I ask graciously. “You already know what I want, Frankie. I want that scumball chief gone. Marley is a pain in my ass and thinks he can run my city.” “You know my feeling on this subject, Enzo. If I could get rid of him, I would. I’m not his biggest fan either.” Enzo responds, “Well, if you want the chief taken care of, I think I might be able to arrange that.” “I never said that. I just said I wasn’t a fan.” I say even though I’m curious as to what Enzo is thinking. “Just say the word and he will be removed from his position, Mr. Mayor. You and I have known each other for a long time. You’ve helped me by letting me run what I need to run. I’ve helped you by not killing any of your guys and leaving your family alone.” “I’ll see what I can do, Enzo. If we are going to get rid of Marley, let’s do it the right way. There’s no need for more violence.” Enzo laughs and says, “You’ve got a deal boss. You get Marley out of the chief’s position, and I’ll see what I can find out about your killer. It was nice talking to you.”

Before I could respond, the phone line went dead. I hate dealing with Enzo Abate, but in this city, business is business. While he tries to help find the killer, I have to go do a press conference.

I’m not sure what’s worse, dealing with a mob boss or facing the media.

© Dave Logan 2024

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